Wireless network slice optimization for user applications

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication network serves a User Equipment (UE) over an optimal wireless network slice for a user application. The wireless communication network receives a download message when the UE downloads the user application that indicates a UE Identifier (ID) for the UE and an application ID for the user application. The wireless communication network selects a slice ID for the optimal network slice based on the application ID for the user application. The wireless communication network transfers a slice message to the UE that indicates the application ID and the slice ID. The wireless communication network exchanges application data for the user application with the UE. The wireless communication network processes the application data with the optimal wireless network slice.

RELATED CASES

This United States Patent Application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/178,766 that was filed on Feb. 18, 2021 and isentitled “WIRELESS NETWORK SLICE OPTIMIZATION FOR USER APPLICATIONS.”U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/178,766 is hereby incorporated byreference into this United States Patent Application.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Wireless communication networks provide wireless data services towireless user devices. Exemplary wireless data services includemachine-control, internet-access, media-streaming, andsocial-networking. Exemplary wireless user devices comprise phones,computers, vehicles, robots, and sensors. The wireless user devicesexecute user applications to support and use the wireless data services.For example, a robot may execute a machine-control application thatcommunicates with a robot controller over a wireless communicationnetwork.

The wireless communication networks have wireless access nodes whichexchange wireless signals with the wireless user devices over radiofrequency bands. The wireless signals use wireless network protocolslike Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR), Long Term Evolution (LTE),Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (WIFI),and Low-Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN). The wireless access nodesexchange network signaling and user data with network elements that areoften clustered together into wireless network cores. The networkelements comprise Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs),Session Management Functions (SMFs), User Plane Functions (UPFs), PolicyControl Functions (PCFs), Uniform Data Repositories (UDRs), NetworkExposure Functions (NEFs), and the like.

The network elements are placed into groups call wireless networkslices. For example, an AMF, SMF, and UPF may be grouped into a wirelessnetwork slice. The different wireless network slices have differentperformance levels for throughput, latency, error rate, mobility, cost,and the like. The wireless user devices may request specific wirelessnetwork slices from the wireless communication network. Unfortunately,some user applications will still use wireless network slices that donot have adequate performance for the application functionality. Otheruser applications will use wireless network slices that have far betterperformance and associated cost than needed for the applicationfunctionality. Moreover, the wireless communication networks do notefficiently and effectively help UEs use optimal wireless network slicesfor newly downloaded user applications.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

A wireless communication network serves a User Equipment (UE) over anoptimal wireless network slice for a user application. The wirelesscommunication network receives a download message when the UE downloadsthe user application that indicates a UE Identifier (ID) for the UE andan application ID for the user application. The wireless communicationnetwork selects a slice ID for the optimal network slice based on theapplication ID for the user application. The wireless communicationnetwork transfers a slice message to the UE that indicates theapplication ID and the slice ID. The wireless communication networkexchanges application data for the user application with the UE. Thewireless communication network processes the application data with theoptimal wireless network slice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication network to use optimalwireless network slices for user applications.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary operation of the wireless communicationnetwork to use the optimal wireless network slices for the userapplications.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary operation of the wireless communicationnetwork to use the optimal wireless network slices for the userapplications.

FIG. 4 illustrates a Fifth Generation (5G) wireless network that usesoptimal wireless network slices for user applications.

FIG. 5 illustrates a User Equipment (UE) in the 5G wireless network thatuses the optimal wireless network slices for the user applications.

FIG. 6 illustrates Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR) gNodeB in the 5Gwireless network that uses the optimal wireless network slices for theuser applications.

FIG. 7 illustrates an IEEE 802.11 (WIFI) and IEEE 802.3 (ENET) AccessNode (AN) in the 5G wireless network that uses the optimal wirelessnetwork slices for the user applications.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless network core in the 5G network that usesthe optimal the wireless network slices for the user applications.

FIG. 9 further illustrates the wireless network core in the 5G networkthat uses the optimal the wireless network slices for the userapplications.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary operation of the 5G network to use theoptimal wireless network slices for the user applications.

FIG. 11 further illustrates the exemplary operation of the 5G network touse the optimal wireless network slices for the user applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates wireless communication network 100 to use optimalwireless network slices 121-123 for user applications 111-113. UE 101comprises a computer, phone, vehicle, sensor, robot, or some other dataappliance with wireless and/or wireline communication circuitry. Datacommunication network 100 delivers services to UE 101 likeinternet-access, machine communications, media-streaming, or some otherdata communications product. Data communication network 100 comprises UE101, network user plane 120, network control plane 130, and NetworkExposure Function (NEF) 140. NEF 140 is typically part of control plane130 but is shown externally for clarity. Network user plane 120comprises wireless network slices 150, 160, and 170. Although wirelessnetwork slices 150, 160, and 170 are shown in network user plane 120,some portions of network slices 150, 160, and 170 may reside in networkuser plane 130. UE 101 comprises user applications 111-113 like socialnetworking, machine control, media-conferencing, or some other userservice. The amount of UEs, user applications, and network slices hasbeen restricted for clarity, and data communication network 100typically includes many more UEs, applications, and slices.

Various examples of network operation and configuration are describedherein. In some examples, UE 101 downloads user application 112 from asource—possibly data communication network 100. In response to thedownload activity, NEF 140 receives a download notice from the sourcethat UE 101 is downloading user application 112. For example, NEF 140may receive the download notice from an app store when the storetransfers user application 112 to UE 101. In response, NEF 140 transfersa download message that indicates UE 101 and user application 112 tonetwork control-plane 130. Network control-plane 130 receives thedownload message and selects wireless network slice 160 from slices 150,160, and 170 as the optimal slice for user application 112 in UE 101.Network control-plane 130 transfers a slice message to UE 101 thatindicates user application 112 and optimal wireless network slice 160.UE 101 receives the slice message and requests optimal network slice 160from network control-plane 130 when executing user application 112. Thesame operation is used to immediately pair user applications 111 and 113with their own optimal network slices 150, 160, and 170 whenapplications 111 and 113 are downloaded to UE 101.

Advantageously, user applications 111-113 efficiently use their optimalwireless network slices after application download to avoid poorapplication performance or unnecessary application cost. Moreover, datacommunication network 100 effectively helps UE 101 use optimal wirelessnetwork slices 150, 160, and 170 for newly downloaded user applications111-113. In some examples, UE 101 performs a Radio Resource Control(RRC) reconfiguration with network control-plane 130 in response to theslice message to immediately request and access optimal wireless networkslice 160 for user application 112. In other examples, UE 101 requestsoptimal wireless network slice 160 from network control-plane 130 inresponse to the slice message.

UE 101 communicates with network user plane 120 and network controlplane 130 over technologies like Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR), LongTerm Evolution (LTE), Low-Power Wide Area Network (LP-WAN), Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (WIFI), IEEE 802.3(ENET), Bluetooth, and/or some other networking protocol. The wirelesscommunication technologies use electromagnetic frequencies in thelow-band, mid-band, high-band, or some other portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum. The communication links that support thesetechnologies use metallic links, glass fibers, radio channels, or someother communication media. The communication links use ENET, TimeDivision Multiplex (TDM), Data Over Cable System Interface Specification(DOCSIS), Internet Protocol (IP), General Packet Radio Service TransferProtocol (GTP), 5GNR, LTE, WIFI, Fifth Generation Core (5GC), virtualswitching, inter-processor communication, bus interfaces, and/or someother data communication protocols.

UE 101, user plane 120, and control plane 130 comprise antennas,amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog/digital interfaces,microprocessors, software, memories, transceivers, bus circuitry, andthe like. NEF 140 comprises microprocessors, software, memories,transceivers, bus circuitry, and the like. The microprocessors compriseDigital Signal Processors (DSP), Central Processing Units (CPU),Graphical Processing Units (GPU), Application-Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASIC), and/or the like. The memories comprise Random AccessMemory (RAM), flash circuitry, disk drives, and/or the like. Thememories store software like operating systems, user applications, radioapplications, and network functions. The microprocessors retrieve thesoftware from the memories and execute the software to drive theoperation of data communication network 100 as described herein.

Network user plane 120 may comprise: 5GNR gNodeBs, LTE eNodeBs,non-Third Generation Partnership Project Access Nodes (non-3GPP ANs),non-3GPP Interworking Functions (IWFs), 3GPP User Plane Functions(UPFs), Central Authorized Application Repositories (CAARs) and/or someother network elements that handle user data. Network control plane 130may comprise: 5GNR gNodeBs, LTE eNodeBs, IWFs, CAARs, 3GPP Access andMobility Management Functions (AMFs), Session Management Functions(SMFs), Policy Control Functions, (PCFs), Uniform Data Repositories(UDRs), and/or some other network elements that direct user plane 120with network signaling. NEF 140 could be integrated into control plane130.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary operation of wireless communicationnetwork 100 to use optimal wireless network slices 121-123 for userapplications 111-113. The operation is exemplary and may vary in otherexamples. UE 101 exchanges network signaling with network control plane130 and exchanges user data with network user plane 120 (201). When UE101 downloads a user application (202), NEF 140 receives a downloadnotice that UE 101 is downloading the user application and transfers adownload message to network control-plane 130 that indicates a UE ID forUE 101 and an application ID for the downloaded user application (203).Network control-plane 130 receives the download message and selects anoptimal wireless network slice ID for the user application ID based onslice performance and application requirements (204). Networkcontrol-plane 130 transfers a slice message to UE 101 that indicates theuser application ID and optimal wireless network slice ID (204). UE 101receives the slice message (205). When UE 101 executes the userapplication (206), UE 101 requests the optimal network slice ID fromnetwork control-plane 130 (207). UE 101 exchanges user data for thedownloaded user application with the optimal one of wireless networkslices 150, 160, and 170 (208). The operation repeats (201).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary operation of wireless communicationnetwork 100 to use optimal wireless network slices 121-123 for userapplications 111-113. The operation is exemplary and may vary in otherexamples. UE 101 uses Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration torequest optimal wireless network slices, but other techniques like N1signaling to an SMF in control plane 130 could be used to request torequest optimal wireless network slices. UE 101 downloads userapplication 111 from a source. In response to the download, NEF 140receives a download notice from the source that UE 101 is downloadinguser application 111. In response to the download notice, NEF 140transfers a download message that indicates UE 101 and user application111 to network control-plane 130. Network control-plane 130 selectswireless network slice 170 as the optimal slice for user application 111in UE 101. The selection typically entails comparing the requirements ofuser application 111 with the performance of slices 150, 160, and 170 toselect the optimal slice that best meets the key applicationrequirements. Network control-plane 130 transfers a slice message thatindicates user application 111 and optimal wireless network slice 170 toUE 101.

UE 101 receives the slice message and performs a RRC reconfigurationwith network control-plane 130 in response to the slice message toimmediately request optimal wireless network slice 170 for userapplication 111. Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to userplane 120 to serve UE 101 over optimal wireless network slice 170.Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to optimal wirelessnetwork slice 170 to serve UE 101 for user application 111. UE 101 anduser plane 120 exchange data for user application 111. UE 101 and userplane 120 exchange user data for user application 111. User plane 120and optimal wireless network slice 170 exchange the user data for userapplication 111. Optimal wireless network slice 170 exchanges the userdata for user application 113 with an external system.

In response to a prior download of user application 112, UE 101 alreadyhas a network instruction to use optimal wireless network slice 160 foruser application 112. UE 101 executes user application 112, and inresponse to the execution of user application 112 and the networkinstruction, UE 101 performs an RRC reconfiguration with networkcontrol-plane 130 to request optimal wireless network slice 160 for userapplication 112. Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to userplane 120 to serve UE 101 over optimal wireless network slice 160.Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to optimal wirelessnetwork slice 160 to serve UE 101 for user application 112. UE 101 anduser plane 120 exchange data for user application 112. UE 101 and userplane 120 exchange user data for user application 112. User plane 120and optimal wireless network slice 160 exchange the user data for userapplication 112. Wireless network slice 160 exchanges the user data foruser application 112 with an external system.

In response to the prior download of user application 113, UE 101 alsohas a network instruction to use optimal wireless network slice 150 foruser application 113. UE 101 executes user application 113, and inresponse to the execution of user application 113 and the networkinstruction, UE 101 performs another RRC reconfiguration with networkcontrol-plane 130 to request optimal wireless network slice 150 for userapplication 113. Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to userplane 120 to serve UE 101 over optimal wireless network slice 150.Control plane 130 transfers network signaling to optimal wirelessnetwork slice 150 to serve UE 101 for user application 113. UE 101 anduser plane 120 exchange user data for user application 113. User plane120 and optimal wireless network slice 150 exchange the user data foruser application 113. Wireless network slice 150 exchanges the user datafor user application 113 with an external system.

FIG. 4 illustrates Fifth Generation (5G) wireless network 400 to useoptimal wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for user applications411-413. 5G communication network 400 comprises an example of datacommunication network 100, although network 100 may vary from thisexample. 5G communication network 400 comprises UE 401, IEEE 802.11/IEEE802.3 Access Node (WIFI/ENET AN) 421, Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR)gNodeB 422, non-3GPP Interworking Function (IWF) 423, Fifth GenerationCore (5GC) User Plane Function 424, 5GC Central Authorized ApplicationRepository (CAAR) 425, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)431, 5GC Session Management Function (SMF) 432, 5GC Policy ControlFunction (PCF) 433, 5GC Uniform Data Repository (UDR) 434, 5GC NetworkExposure Function (NEF) 440, and wireless network slices 450, 460, and470. Wireless network slice 450 comprises AMF 451, SMF 452, and UPF 453.Wireless network slice 460 comprises AMF 461, SMF 462, and UPF 463.Wireless network slice 470 comprises AMF 471, SMF 472, and UPF 473. UE401 comprises user applications 411-413, although initially, UE 401 hasnot yet downloaded user applications 411-413. A network user plane isformed by AN 421, gNodeB 422, IWF 423, UPF 424, CAAR 425, UPF 453, UPF563, and UPF 473. A network control plane is formed by AMF 431, SMF 432,PCF 433, UDR 434, NEF 440, AMF 451, SMF 452, AMF 261, SMF 462, AMF 471,and SMF 472.

UE 401 may register with WIFI/ENET AN 421 and then register with 3GPPIWF 423. 3GPP IWF 423 selects 5GC AMF 431 for UE 401 based on UElocation, requested slice, or last/current AMF. UE 401 registers with3GPP AMF 431 to establish an N1 over WIFI/ENET AN 421 and 3GPP IWF 423.

UE 401 may register with 5GNR gNodeB 422. 5GNR gNodeB 422 selects 5GCAMF 431 for UE 401 based on UE location, requested slice, orlast/current AMF. UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 431 and they establishan N1 over 5GNR gNodeB 422.

AMF 431 may direct SMF 432 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to CAAR 425over non-3GPP IWF 423. SMF 432 drives UPF 424 to serve the bearer to UE401. AMF 471 directs UE 401 to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 andCAAR 425 communicate over the bearer that traverses AN 421, IWF 423, andUPF 424 to download user applications 411-413.

AMF 431 may direct gNodeB 422 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF424. AMF 431 directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer for UE 401 from 5GNRgNodeB 422 to CAAR 425. SMF 432 drives UPF 424 to serve the bearer to UE401. 5GNR gNodeB 422 directs UE 401 to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE401 and CAAR 425 communicate over the bearer that traverses 5GNR gNodeB422 and UPF 424 to download user applications 411-413.

UE 401 downloads user application 411 from CAAR 425 over the path thattraverses AN 421, IWF 423, and UPF 424, or the path that traversesgNodeB 422 and UPF 424. In response to the download, CAAR 425 transfersa download notice to NEF 440 that indicates that UE 401 has downloadeduser application 411. NEF 440 transfers a corresponding download messageto UDR 434 that indicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application411.

In response to the download of user application 411, UDR 434 queries aUnified Data Management (UDM), subscriber database, or some other UEprovisioning system with a UE ID for UE 401 to identify a set ofavailable network slices for UE 401. UDR 434 also queries UDM for sliceperformance levels like throughput, latency, reliability, mobility, andcost. The UE ID comprises an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier(IMSI), Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Subscription ConcealedIdentifier (SUCI), or some other UE reference data. UDR 434 also queriesUDM with an application ID for user application 411 to obtain keyapplication requirements like throughput, latency, reliability,mobility, and cost.

UDR 434 determine the closeness of the application requirements forapplication 411 to the corresponding slice performance levels of slices450, 460, and 470. UDR 434 selects the closest one of slices 450, 460,and 470 to application 411 requirements as the optimal slice. Forexample, UDR 434 may normalize and sum the differences in correspondingperformance levels and then select the optimal slice having a scoreclosest to zero. UDR 434 avoids costly slices that outperform therequirements of some user applications. UDR 434 also finds slices thathave specific performance levels in key areas for user applications thathave more challenging requirements. UDR 434 selects slice 470 forapplication 411 for UE 401 and transfers a UE message to PCF 433 thatindicates UE 401, user application 411, and optimal wireless networkslice 470.

PCF 433 may perform a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Updateto configure UE 401 to use slice 470 for application 411. PCF 433transfers a resulting policy message to AMF 431 that indicates UE 401,application 411, and slice 470. AMF 431 receives the policy message fromPCF 433 and responsively transfers a slice message to UE 401 indicatingapplication 411 and wireless network slice 470. The slice messagecomprises Non-Access Stratum (NAS) data that traverses an N1 linkbetween AMF 431 and UE 401.

In this example, UE 401 uses RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration to accessoptimal network slices 450, 460, and 470 that have different AMFs 451,461, and 471 from serving AMF 431. In other examples, UE 401 couldaccess other optimal network slices that do not have an AMF by directlyrequesting the slices from SMF 432 or AMF 431 over N1—and without RRC ornon-3GPP reconfiguration. In response to the slice message from AMF 431and the download of user application 411, UE 401 performs an RRCreconfiguration with 5GNR gNodeB 422 or a non-3GPP reconfiguration withnon-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wireless network slice 470. 5GNRgNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 471 for UE 401 based onrequested wireless network slice 470. UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 471and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422. AMF 471directs gNodeB 422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF473. AMF 471 directs SMF 472 to extend the bearer for UE 401 over UPF473. SMF 472 drives UPF 473 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 471 andgNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wireless networkslice 470. User application 411 in UE 401 now communicates over optimalwireless network slice 470 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.

Subsequently UE 401 may again register with AMF 431 over AN 421-IWF 423or gNodeB 422 to download user application 412. AMF 431 directs gNodeB422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF 424. AMF 431directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer to CAAR 425. SMF 432 drives UPF 424to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 431 and/or gNodeB 422 direct UE 401to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 may now download user application412 from CAAR 425 over AN 421-IWF 423-UPF 424 or over gNodeB 422-UPF424. In either case, CAAR 425 transfers a download notice to NEF 440that indicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application 412. NEF 440transfers a corresponding download message to UDR 434 that indicatesthat UE 401 has downloaded user application 412.

UDR 434 queries to identify the set of available network slices for UE401 and their performance levels for throughput, latency, reliability,mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434 also queries with an applicationID for user application 412 to obtain key application requirements forthroughput, latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434determines the closeness of the key application requirements forapplication 412 to the corresponding slice performance levels of slices450, 460, and 470. UDR 434 selects the closest one of slices 450, 460,and 470 as the optimal slice for UE 401 and user application 412. UDR434 selects slice 460 for UE 401 and application 412 and transfers a UEmessage to PCF 433 that indicates UE 401, user application 412, andoptimal wireless network slice 460.

PCF 433 may perform a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Updateto configure UE 401 to use slice 460 for application 412. PCF 433transfers a resulting policy message to AMF 431 that indicates UE 401,application 412, and slice 460. AMF 431 receives the policy message froma PCF 433 and responsively transfers a slice message indicatingapplication 412 and wireless network slice 460 to UE 401. The slicemessage comprises NAS data traverses one of the N1 links between AMF 431and UE 401.

In response to the slice message from AMF 431 and the download of userapplication 412, UE 401 performs an RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration with5GNR gNodeB 422 or non-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wireless networkslice 460. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 461 for UE 401based on requested wireless network slice 460. UE 401 registers with3GPP AMF 461 and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.AMF 461 directs SMF 462 to establish a bearer for UE 401 over gNodeB 422or IWF 423. SMF 462 drives UPF 463 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF461 and gNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wirelessnetwork slice 460. User application 412 in UE 401 now communicates overoptimal wireless network slice 460 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB422.

Subsequently UE 401 may again register with AMF 431 over AN 421-IWF 423or gNodeB 422 to download user application 413. AMF 431 directs gNodeB422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF 424. AMF 431directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer to CAAR 425. SMF 432 drives UPF 424to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 431 and/or gNodeB 422 direct UE 401to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 may now download user application413 from CAAR 425 over UPF 424 and AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422. Ineither case, CAAR 425 transfers a download notice to NEF 440 thatindicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application 413. NEF 440transfers a corresponding download message to UDR 434 that indicatesthat UE 401 has downloaded user application 413.

UDR 434 queries to identify the set of available network slices for UE401 and their performance levels for throughput, latency, reliability,mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434 queries with an application ID foruser application 413 to obtain key application requirements forthroughput, latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434determine the closeness of the key application requirements forapplication 413 to the corresponding slice performance levels of slices450, 460, and 470. UDR 434 selects the closest one of slices 450, 460,and 470 as the optimal slice for UE 401 and user application 413. UDR434 selects slice 450 for UE 401 and application 413 and transfers a UEmessage to PCF 433 that indicates UE 401, user application 413, andoptimal wireless network slice 450.

PCF 433 may perform a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Updateto configure UE 401 to use slice 450 for application 413. PCF 433transfers a resulting policy message to AMF 431 that indicates UE 401,application 413, and slice 450. AMF 431 receives the policy message fromPCF 433 and responsively transfers a slice message indicatingapplication 413 and wireless network slice 450 to UE 401. The slicemessage comprises NAS data traverses one of the N1 links between AMF 431and UE 401.

In response to the slice message from AMF 431 and the download of userapplication 413, UE 401 performs an RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration with5GNR gNodeB 422 or non-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wireless networkslice 450. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 451 for UE 401based on requested wireless network slice 450. UE 401 registers with3GPP AMF 451 and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.AMF 451 directs SMF 452 to establish a bearer for UE 401 over gNodeB 422or IWF 423. SMF 452 drives UPF 453 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF431 and gNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wirelessnetwork slice 450. User application 413 in UE 401 now communicates overoptimal wireless network slice 450 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB422.

FIG. 5 illustrates User Equipment (UE) 401 in 5G wireless network 400that uses optimal wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for userapplications 411-413. UE 401 comprises an example of UE 101, although UE101 may differ. UE 401 comprises 5GNR radio 501, WIFI radio 502, ENETcard 503, processing circuitry 504, and user components 505. Radios501-502 comprise antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation,analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that arecoupled over bus circuitry. ENET card 503 comprises an ENET port,analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that arecoupled over bus circuitry. Processing circuitry 504 comprises memory,CPU, user interfaces and components, and transceivers that are coupledover bus circuitry. The memory in processing circuitry 504 stores anoperating system, user applications, and network applications likeInternet Protocol Layers (IP), IEEE 802.3 Layers (ENET), IEEE 802.11(WIFI) Physical Layer (PHY), WIFI Media Access Control (MAC), WIFILogical Link Control (LLC), 5GNR PHY, 5GNR MAC, 5GNR Radio Link Control(RLC), 5GNR Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), 5GNR Service DataAdaptation Protocol (SDAP), and 5GNR Radio Resource Control (RRC). Insome examples, UE 401 may omit one or two of the 5GNR, WIFI, and ENETportions of UE 401. For example, UE 401 could be a WIFI-only device or aWIFI/ENET device. UE 401 could also use other non-3GPP protocols (likebluetooth and narrowband internet-of-things) in addition to or insteadof WIFI and ENET.

The antennas in 5GNR radio 501 are wirelessly coupled to 5GNR gNodeB 422over a wireless link that supports RRC. The antennas in WIFI radio 601are wirelessly coupled to WIFI/ENET AN 421 over a wireless link thatsupports NWu. The ENET port in ENET card 602 is wireline coupled toWIFI/ENET AN 421 over a metal and/or glass link that supports NWu.Transceivers in 5GNR radio 501, WIFI radio 502, and ENET card 503 arecoupled to transceivers in processing circuitry 504. Transceivers inprocessing circuitry 504 are coupled to user components 505 likedisplays, controllers, and memory. The CPU in processing circuitry 504executes the operating system, user applications, and 5GNR networkapplications to exchange 5GNR signaling and data with 5GNR gNodeB 422over 5GNR radio 501. The CPU in processing circuitry 504 executes theoperating system, user applications, and WIFI network applications toexchange WIFI data with WIFI/ENET AN 421 over WIFI radio 502. The CPU inprocessing circuitry 504 executes the operating system, userapplications, and ENET applications to exchange WIFI data and ENET datawith WIFI/ENET AN 421 over ENET card 503.

In some examples, the WIFI LLC in UE 401 registers with WIFI/ENET AN 421over a Y1. 5GNR RRC 506 then registers with 3GPP IWF 423 over the Y1,WIFI/ENET AN 421, and Y2 to establish the NWu. 3GPP IWF 423 selects 5GCAMF 431 for UE 401 based on UE location, requested CAAR slice, orlast/current AMF. 5GNR RRC 506 in UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 431over the NWu, IWF 431, and N2 to establish an N1 over the N2, IWF 423,and NWu. Non-3GPP IWF 423 directs RRC 506 to use a bearer from UE 401 toCAAR 425 over AN 421, IWF 422, and UPF 424. The WIFI or ENETapplications in UE 401 receive user content from CAAR 425 over thebearer that traverses AN 421, IWF 423, and UPF 424.

In some examples, RRC 506 in UE 401 registers with 5GNR gNodeB 422. 5GNRgNodeB 422 selects 5GC AMF 431 for UE 401 based on UE location,requested CAAR slice, or last/current AMF. 5GNR RRC 506 in UE 401registers with 3GPP AMF 431 and they establish an N1 over 5GNR gNodeB422. 5GNR gNodeB 422 directs RRC 506 to use a bearer from UE 401 to CAAR425 over 5GNR gNodeB 422. The 5GNR applications in UE 401 receive usercontent from CAAR 425 over the bearer that traverses gNodeB 422 and UPF424.

UE 401 downloads user application 411 from CAAR 425 over one of thebearers. In response to the download, RRC 506 receives a slice messagefrom AMF 431 over one of the N1s that indicates user application 411 andwireless network slice 470. The slice message also indicates sliceaccess instructions like RRC reconfiguration instructions, non-3GPPreconfiguration instructions, SMF slice request instructions, and5GNR/WIFI/ENET priority.

In this example, RRC 506 in UE 401 uses RRC reconfiguration to accessoptimal network slices 450, 460, and 470 that have different AMFs 451,461, and 471 than serving AMF 431. In other examples, RRC 506 in UE 401directly requests the optimal slices from the serving SMF or AMF overone of the Nis. In response to the slice message from the serving AMF,RRC 506 performs an RRC reconfiguration with 5GNR gNodeB 422 or non-3GPPreconfiguration with non-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wirelessnetwork slice 470. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 then select 5GC AMF471 for UE 401 based on requested wireless network slice 470. RRC 506registers with 3GPP AMF 471 and they establish an N1 over the networkpath that traverses AN 421 and IWF 423 or the path that traverses gNodeB422. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or IWF 423 direct RRC 506 in UE 401 to use a bearersupported by optimal slice 470. User application 411 now communicatesover optimal wireless network slice 470 using the network path thattraverses AN 421 and IWF 423 or the path that traverses gNodeB 422.

Subsequently UE 401 downloads user application 412 in the mannerdescribed above for application 411. In response to the download, RRC506 receives a slice message from AMF 431 (or the serving AMF) thatindicates application 412 and wireless network slice 460. The slicemessage also indicates slice access instructions like RRCreconfiguration, non-3GPP reconfiguration, SMF slice request,5GNR/WIFI/ENET priority, and the like. In this example, RRC 506 in UE401 uses RRC reconfiguration to access optimal network slice 460 asdescribed above for slice 470. User application 412 in UE 401 nowcommunicates over optimal wireless network slice 460 using the networkpath that traverses AN 421 and IWF 423 or the path that traverses gNodeB422.

Subsequently UE 401 downloads user application 413 as described abovefor application 411. In response to the download, RRC 506 receives aslice message from AMF 431 (or the serving AMF) that indicatesapplication 413 and wireless network slice 450. The slice message alsoindicates slice access instructions like RRC reconfiguration, non-3GPPreconfiguration, SMF slice requests, and 5GNR/WIFI/ENET priority. Inthis example, RRC 506 in UE 401 uses non-3GPP reconfiguration to accessoptimal network slice 450 over IWF 423. User application 413 in UE 401now communicates over optimal wireless network slice 450 using one ofthe network path over AN 421 and IWF 423 or the path over gNodeB 422.

FIG. 6 illustrates Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR) gNodeB 422 in 5Gwireless network 400 that uses optimal wireless network slices 450, 460,and 470 for user applications 411-413. 5GNR gNodeB 422 comprises anexample of 3GPP access node 122, although access node 122 may differ.5GNR gNodeB 422 comprises 5G Radio Unit (RU) 601, 5G Distributed Unit(DU) 602, and 5G Centralized Unit (CU) 603. RU 601 comprises antennas,amplifiers, filters, modulation, analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP,memory, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. DU 602comprises memory, CPU, and transceivers that are coupled over buscircuitry. The memory in DU 602 stores operating systems and 5GNRnetwork applications like PHY, MAC, and RLC. CU 603 comprises memory,CPU, and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. The memory inCU 603 stores an operating system and 5GNR network applications likePacket Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Service Data AdaptationProtocol (SDAP), and Radio Resource Control (RRC) 606.

The antennas in RU 601 are wirelessly coupled to UE 401 over 5GNR linksthat support RRC. Transceivers in RU 601 are coupled to transceivers inDU 602 over fronthaul links like enhanced Common Public Radio Interface(eCPRI). Transceivers in DU 602 are coupled to transceivers in CU 603over mid-haul links. Transceivers in CU 603 are coupled to 5GC AMFs 431,451, 461, and 471 and UPFs 433, 453, 463, and 473 over backhaul links.The CPU in DU 603 executes an operating system, PHY, MAC, and RLC toexchange 5GNR data units with RU 601 and to exchange 5GNR data unitswith CU 603. The CPU in CU 603 executes an operating system, PDCP, SDAP,and RRC 606 to exchange 5GC N2 signaling with the AMF and N3 data withthe UPFs.

UE 401 attaches to RRC 606 in CU 603 and establishes an RRC connection.5GNR RRC 606 selects 5GC AMF 431 based on location, requested CAARslice, last/current AMF, default, or some other factor. RRC 606registers UE 401 with 5GC AMF 431 over the N2. 5GC AMF 431 signals RRC606 over the N2 to serve UE 401 over a wireless RRC connection and overan N3 between the SDAP in CU 803 and 5GC UPF 424. UE 401 and the SDAP inCU 603 exchange user data over the RRC connection. The SDAP in CU 603and 5GC UPF 424 exchange the user data over the N3. In particular, theSDAP in CU 603 receives user applications 411-413 over 5GC UPF 424 andthe N3. The SDAP in CU 603 transfers user applications to UE 401 overthe RRC connection. RRC 606 in CU 603 receives slice messages for UE 401over the N1 in the N2 and forwards the slice messages to UE 401 over theN1 in the RRC connection. The slice messages indicate the optimalnetwork slices for the downloaded user applications. The slice messagesindicate how to access the slices. If RRC reconfiguration is required,then RRC 606 receives an RRC reconfiguration request from UE 401 thatindicates a requested slice and RRC 606 reselects an optimal AMF for therequested slice. For example, UE 401 may perform an RRC reconfigurationto request optimal wireless network slice 470, and RRC 606 would thenselect 5GC AMF 471 for UE 401 based on requested wireless network slice470. RRC 606 supports N1 between UE 401 and the optimal AMFs. RRC 606controls the delivery of wireless bearers to UE 401 over the RRCconnection and the N3 to the UPFs. Under the control of RRC 606, theSDAP in CU 603 exchanges application data with a network application inUE 401 and exchanges the application data with the optimal network slicefor the user application.

FIG. 7 illustrates WIFI/ENET Access Node (AN) 421 in 5G wireless network400 that uses optimal wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for userapplications 411-413. WIFI/ENET AN 421 comprises an example of non-3GPPaccess node 121, although node 121 may differ. WIFI/ENET access node 421comprises WIFI radio 701, ENET card 702, and node circuitry 703. WIFIradio 701 comprises antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulation,analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that arecoupled over bus circuitry. ENET card 702 comprises ENET ports,analog-to-digital interfaces, DSP, memory, and transceivers that arecoupled over bus circuitry. Node circuitry 703 comprises memory, CPU,and transceivers that are coupled over bus circuitry. The memory in nodecircuitry 703 stores operating systems and network applications likeWIFI PHY, WIFI MAC, WIFI LLC, ENET, IP, and 3GPP Networking (3GPP) 706.

The antennas in WIFI radio 701 are wirelessly coupled to UE 401 overwireless links that support Y1 and NWu. The ENET port in ENET card 702is wireline coupled to UE 401 over metal and/or glass links that supportY1 and NWu. Transceivers in WIFI radio 701 and ENET card 702 are coupledto transceivers in node circuitry 703. Transceivers in node circuitry703 are coupled to transceivers in non-3GPP IWF 421 over links thatsupport Y2 and NWu. The CPU in node circuitry 703 executes the operatingsystem and network applications to exchange data and signaling with UE401 over the Y1 and NWu and to exchange data and signaling with non-3GPPIWF 421 over the Y2 and NWu.

In some examples, WIFI radio 701 and the WIFI network applications areomitted, and ENET card 702 and the ENET applications are used asdescribed. In other examples, ENET card 702 and the ENET applicationsare omitted, and WIFI radio 701 and the WIFI network applications areused as described. Other equipment and wireless protocols like networkapplications and radios for bluetooth or narrowband internet-of-thingscould be used in addition or as an alternative.

In some examples, UE 401 attaches to the WIFI network applications innode circuitry 703 over WIFI radio 701 and the Y1. UE 401 registers withnon-3GPP IWF 421 over the Y1, WIFI radio 701, 3GPP 706, and Y2. UE 401and non-3GPP IWF 421 establish the NWu over WIFI radio 701 and 3GPP 706.UE 401 registers with 5GC AMF 431 over the over the NWu, non-3GPP IWF423, and N2. UE 401 and AMF 431 establish an N1 over the NWu and N2 thattraverse WIFI radio 701, 3GPP 706, and non-3GPP IWF 423. UE 401 andnon-3GPP IWF 421 exchange user data and N1 signaling over the NWu.

In some examples, UE 401 attaches to the ENET applications in nodecircuitry 703 over ENET card 702 and the Y1. UE 401 registers withnon-3GPP IWF 421 over the Y1, ENET card 702, 3GPP 706, and Y2. UE 401and non-3GPP IWF 421 establish the NWu over ENET card 702 and 3GPP 706.UE 401 registers with the 5GC AMFs over the over the NWu and N2 thattraverse ENET card 702, 3GPP 706, and non-3GPP IWF 421. UE 401 and AMF431 establish an N1 over the NWu and N2 that traverse ENET card 702,3GPP 706, and non-3GPP IWF 421. UE 401 and non-3GPP IWF 421 exchangeuser data and N1 signaling over the NWu that traverses ENET card 702 and3GPP 706. The user data includes user applications 411-413 andcorresponding application data. The N1 signaling includes slice messagesthat indicate optimal network slices for user applications 411-413 andslice access instructions.

FIG. 8 illustrates wireless network core 800 in 5G network 400 that usesoptimal wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for user applications411-413. Network core 800 comprises an example of network functions121-124, although functions 121-124 may vary from this example. Networkcore 800 comprises Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI)hardware 801, NFVI hardware drivers 802, NFVI operating systems 803,NFVI virtual layer 804, and NFVI Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) 805.NFVI hardware 801 comprises Network Interface Cards (NICs), CPU, RAM,Flash/Disk Drives (DRIVE), and Data Switches (SW). NFVI hardware drivers802 comprise software that is resident in the NIC, CPU, RAM, DRIVE, andSW. NFVI operating systems 803 comprise kernels, modules, applications,containers, hypervisors, and the like. NFVI virtual layer 804 comprisesvNIC, vCPU, vRAM, vDRIVE, and vSW. NFVI VNFs 805 comprise non-3GPP IWF823, UPF 824, CAAR 825, AMF 831, SMF 832, PCF 833, UDR 834, AMF 851, SMF852, UPF 853, AMF 861, SMF 862, UPF 863, AMF 871, SMF 872, and UPF 873.Other VNFs like Authentication Server Function (AUSF) and NetworkRepository Function (NRF) are typically present but are omitted forclarity. Network core 800 may be located at a single site or bedistributed across multiple geographic locations. The NIC in NFVIhardware 801 are coupled to WIFI/ENET AN 421 over Y2 and NWu, to 5GNRgNodeB 422 over N2 and N3, and to external systems over N6. NFVIhardware 801 executes NFVI hardware drivers 802, NFVI operating systems803, NFVI virtual layer 804, and NFVI VNFs 805 to form IWF 423, UPF 424,CAAR 425, AMF 431, SMF 432, PCF 433, UDR 434, AMF 451, SMF 452, UPF 453,AMF 461, SMF 462, UPF 463, AMF 471, SMF 472, and UPF 473.

FIG. 9 further illustrates wireless network core 800 in 5G network 400that uses optimal wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for userapplications 411-413. Non-3GPP IWF 421 performs Y2 termination, N2termination, NWu termination, Y2/N2 interworking, and slice optimizationfor user applications 411-413. UPF 424 performs packet routing &forwarding, packet inspection, QoS handling, PDU interconnection,mobility anchoring, and slice optimization for user applications411-413, AMF 431 performs N2 termination, N1 termination, N2/N1 andN2/N2 interworking, UE ciphering & integrity protection. UE registrationand connection, UE connection/mobility management, UE authentication andauthorization, LIE short messaging, and slice optimization for userapplications 411-413, SMF 432 performs session establishment/management,network address allocation, N1 termination, downlink data notification,traffic steering and routing, and slice optimization for userapplications 411-413. PCF 433 performs policy distribution to UDRs,SMFs, and AMFs and performs slice optimization for user applications411-413. UDR 834 stores user information for the UDM, stores policiesfor PCF 433, controls Packet Flow Descriptors (PFDs), and performs sliceoptimization for user applications 411-413. NEP 440 exposes networkcapabilities/events to AFs and UDRs and performs slice optimization foruser applications 411-413.

UE 401 registers with 3GPP IWF 423 to establish their NWu. 3GPP IWF 423selects 5GC AMF 431 for UE 401 based on UE location, requested slice, orlast/current AMF. UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 431 to establish an N1over the NWu and N2 that traverse 3GPP IWF 423. AMF 431 directs SMF 432to establish a bearer for UE 401 to CAAR 425 over non-3GPP IWF 423. SMF432 drives UPF 424 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 431 directs UE 401to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 and CAAR 425 communicate over thebearer that traverses AN 421, IWF 423, and UPF 424.

UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 431 to establish another N1 over 5GNRgNodeB 422. AMF 431 directs gNodeB 422 to establish a bearer for UE 401to UPF 424. AMF 431 directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer for UE 401 fromgNodeB 422 to CAAR 425 over 5GNR gNodeB 422. SMF 432 drives UPF 424 toserve the bearer to UE 401. 5GNR gNodeB 422 directs UE 401 to use thebearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 and CAAR 425 communicate over the bearer thattraverses 5GNR gNodeB 422 and UPF 424.

UE 401 download user application 411 from CAAR 425 over the path thattraverses AN 421, IWF 423, and UPF 424 or the path that traverses gNodeB422 and UPF 424. In response to the download, CAAR 425 transfers adownload notice to NEF 440 that indicates that UE 401 has downloadeduser application 411. NEF 440 transfers a corresponding download messageto UDR 434 that indicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application411. In response to the UE 401 download of user application 411, UDR 434queries a UDM, subscriber database, or some other UE provisioning systemwith a UE ID for UE 401 to identify a set of available network slices450, 460, and 470 for UE 401. UDR 434 also receives slice performancelevels for throughput, latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and thelike. The UE ID comprises an IMSI, SUPI, SUCI, or some other UEreference data. UDR 434 also queries with an application ID for userapplication 411 to obtain key application requirements for throughput,latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434 determinethe closeness of the key application requirements for application 411 tothe corresponding slice performance levels of slices 450, 460, and 470.UDR 434 selects slice 470 for UE 401 and application 411 and transfers aUE message to PCF 433 that indicates UE 401, user application 411, andoptimal wireless network slice 470.

PCF 433 performs a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Update forUE 401, application 411, and slice 470. PCF 433 transfers a resultingpolicy message to AMF 431 that indicates UE 401, application 411, andslice 470. AMF 431 receives the policy message from PCF 433 andresponsively transfers a slice message indicating application 411 andwireless network slice 470 to UE 401. The slice message comprises NASdata that traverses an N1 link between AMF 431 and UE 401.

In this example, UE 401 uses RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration to accessoptimal network slices 450, 460, and 470 that have different AMFs 451,461, and 471 from serving AMF 431. In other examples, UE 401 couldaccess other optimal network slices that do not have an AMF byrequesting the slice from SMF 432 (or AMF 431) without RRC/non-3GPPreconfiguration.

5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 471 for UE 401 based onrequested wireless network slice 470. UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 471and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422. AMF 471directs gNodeB 422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF474. AMF 471 directs SMF 472 to extend the bearer for UE 401 over UPF473. SMF 472 drives UPF 473 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 471 andgNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wireless networkslice 470. User application 411 in UE 401 now communicates over optimalwireless network slice 470 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.

Subsequently UE 401 may again register with AMF 431 over AN 421-IWF 423or gNodeB 422 to download user application 412. AMF 431 directs gNodeB422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF 424. AMF 431directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer to CAAR 425. SMF 432 drives UPF 424to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 431 and/or gNodeB 422 direct UE 401to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 may now download user application412 from CAAR 425 over AN 421-IWF 423-UPF 424 or gNodeB 422-UPF 424. Ineither case, CAAR 425 transfers a download notice to NEF 440 thatindicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application 412. NEF 440transfers a corresponding download message to UDR 434 that indicatesthat UE 401 has downloaded user application 412. UDR 434 queries toidentify the set of available network slices for UE 401 and theirperformance levels for throughput, latency, reliability, mobility, cost,and the like. UDR 434 also queries with an application ID for userapplication 412 to obtain key application requirements for throughput,latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434 determinethe closeness of the key application requirements for application 412 tothe corresponding slice performance levels of slices 450, 460, and 470.UDR 434 selects the closest one of slices 450, 460, and 470 as theoptimal slice for UE 401 and user application 412. UDR 434 selects slice460 for UE 401 and application 412 and transfers a UE message to PCF 433that indicates UE 401, user application 412, and optimal wirelessnetwork slice 460.

PCF 433 performs a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Update forUE 401, application 412, and slice 460. PCF 433 transfers a resultingpolicy message that indicates UE 401, application 412, and slice 460 toAMF 431. AMF 431 receives the policy message from a PCF 433 andresponsively transfers a slice message indicating application 412 andwireless network slice 460 to UE 401. The slice message comprises NASdata traverses one of the N1 links between AMF 431 and UE 401.

In response to the slice message from AMF 431 and the download of userapplication 412, UE 401 performs an RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration with5GNR gNodeB 422 or non-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wireless networkslice 460. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 461 for UE 401based on requested wireless network slice 460. UE 401 registers with3GPP AMF 461 and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.AMF 461 directs SMF 462 to establish a bearer for UE 401 over gNodeB 422or IWF 423. SMF 462 drives UPF 463 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF461 and gNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wirelessnetwork slice 460. User application 412 in UE 401 now communicates overoptimal wireless network slice 460 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB422.

Subsequently UE 401 may again register with AMF 431 over AN 421-IWF 423or gNodeB 422 to download user application 413. AMF 431 directs gNodeB422 or IWF 423 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF 424. AMF 431directs SMF 432 to extend the bearer to CAAR 425. SMF 432 drives UPF 424to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 431 and/or gNodeB 422 direct UE 401to use the bearer to CAAR 425. UE 401 may now download user application413 from CAAR 425 over UPF 424 and AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422. Ineither case, CAAR 425 transfers a download notice to NEF 440 thatindicates that UE 401 has downloaded user application 413. NEF 440transfers a corresponding download message to UDR 434 that indicatesthat UE 401 has downloaded user application 413. UDR 434 transfers acorresponding download message to UDR 434. UDR 434 queries to identifythe set of available network slices for UE 401 and their performancelevels for throughput, latency, reliability, mobility, cost, and thelike. UDR 434 also queries with an application ID for user application413 to obtain key application requirements for throughput, latency,reliability, mobility, cost, and the like. UDR 434 determine thecloseness of the key application requirements for application 413 to thecorresponding slice performance levels of slices 450, 460, and 470. UDR434 selects the closest one of slices 450, 460, and 470 as the optimalslice for UE 401 and user application 413. UDR 434 selects slice 450 forUE 401 and application 413 and transfers a UE message to PCF 433 thatindicates UE 401, user application 413, and optimal wireless networkslice 450.

PCF 433 may perform a UE Access Selection and Policy Information Updatefor UE 401, application 413, and slice 450. PCF 433 transfers aresulting policy message that indicates UE 401, application 413, andslice 450 to AMF 431. AMF 431 receives the policy message from PCF 433and responsively transfers a slice message indicating application 413and wireless network slice 450 to UE 401. The slice message comprisesNAS data traverses one of the N1 links between AMF 431 and UE 401.

In response to the slice message from AMF 431 and the download of userapplication 413, UE 401 performs an RRC or non-3GPP reconfiguration with5GNR gNodeB 422 or non-3GPP IWF 423 to request optimal wireless networkslice 450. 5GNR gNodeB 422 or 3GPP IWF 423 select 5GC AMF 451 for UE 401based on requested wireless network slice 450. UE 401 registers with3GPP AMF 451 and they establish an N1 over AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB 422.AMF 451 directs SMF 452 to establish a bearer for UE 401 over gNodeB 422or IWF 423. SMF 452 drives UPF 453 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF431 and gNodeB 422 direct UE 401 to use the bearer over optimal wirelessnetwork slice 450. User application 413 in UE 401 now communicates overoptimal wireless network slice 450 using either AN 421-IWF 423 or gNodeB422.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary operation of 5G network 400 to optimizewireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for user applications 411-413in UE 401. The operation is exemplary and may vary in other examples. InUE 401, the WIFI LLC registers with the WIFI LLC in WIFI/ENET AN 421over the Y1. In UE 401, RRC 506 register with 3GPP IWF 423 over the Y1,3GPP 706, and Y2. 3GPP IWF 423 selects 5GC AMF 431 for UE 401 based onUE location, requested slice, or last/current AMF. RRC 506 registerswith 3GPP AMF 431 to establish an N1 over the N2 and NWu that traverse3GPP 706 and IWF 423. RRC 506 also registers with RRC 606 in 5GNR gNodeB422. RRC 606 selects 5GC AMF 431 for UE 401 based on current AMF. RRC506 UE 401 registers with 3GPP AMF 431 and they establish another N1over RRC 606 in 5GNR gNodeB 422.

In some examples, AMF 431 directs RRC 606 in gNodeB 422 to establish abearer for UE 401 to UPF 424. AMF 431 directs SMF 432 to extend thebearer for UE 401 from the SDAP in gNodeB 422 to CAAR 425. SMF 432drives UPF 424 to serve the bearer to UE 401. RRC 606 directs RRC 506 touse the bearer to CAAR 425 over gNodeB 422. In other examples, AMF 431directs SMF 432 to establish a bearer for UE 401 to CAAR 425 overnon-3GPP IWF 423. SMF 432 drives UPF 424 to serve the bearer to UE 401.AMF 431 directs RRC 506 in UE 401 to use the bearer to CAAR 425 over AN421 and IWF 423.

UE 401 downloads user application 412 from CAAR 425 over the bearer thattraverses AN 421, IWF 423, and UPF 424 or the bearer that traversesgNodeB 422 and UPF 424. In response to the download, CAAR 425 transfersa download notice to NEF 440 that indicates that UE 401 is downloadinguser application 412. NEF 440 transfers a corresponding download messageto UDR 434 that indicates that UE 401 is downloading user application412. In response to download message, UDR 434 determines a set ofavailable network slices 450, 460, and 470 for UE 401. UDR 434determines slice performance levels for throughput, latency,reliability, mobility, cost, and the like for available network slices450, 460, and 470. UDR 434 determines key application requirements ofuser application 412 for throughput, latency, reliability, mobility,cost, and the like. UDR 434 determine the closeness of the keyapplication requirements for application 412 to the corresponding sliceperformance levels of slices 450, 460, and 470. UDR 434 selects theclosest one of slices 450, 460, and 470 to application 412 requirementsas the optimal wireless network slice for user application 412.

In this example, UDR 434 selects slice 460 for UE 401 and application412 and transfers a UE message to PCF 433 that indicates UE 401, userapplication 412, and optimal wireless network slice 460. PCF 433transfers a policy message that indicates UE 401, application 412, andslice 460 to AMF 431. AMF 431 receives the policy message from PCF 433and responsively transfers a slice message to RRC 506 in UE 401 thatindicates application 412 and optimal wireless network slice 460. Theslice message comprises NAS data that traverses one of the N1 linksbetween AMF 431 and RRC 506 in UE 401.

FIG. 11 further illustrates the exemplary operation of 5G network 400 tooptimize wireless network slices 450, 460, and 470 for user applications411-413 in UE 401. The operation is exemplary and may vary in otherexamples. RRC 506 in UE 401 and RRC 606 in 5GNR gNodeB 422 may performan RRC reconfiguration to request optimal wireless network slice 460.During the reconfiguration, RRC 606 selects 5GC AMF 461 for UE 401 basedon requested wireless network slice 460. In other examples, RRC 506 andIWF 423 perform non-3GPP reconfiguration to request optimal wirelessnetwork slice 460. During the reconfiguration, IWF 423 selects 5GC AMF461 for UE 401 based on requested wireless network slice 460.

RRC 506 registers with 3GPP AMF 461 and they establish an N1 over AN 421and IWF 423 or over gNodeB 422. AMF 461 directs gNodeB 422 or IWF 423 toestablish a bearer for UE 401 to UPF 463. AMF 461 directs SMF 462 toextend the bearer for UE 401 from gNodeB 422 or IWF 423 through UPF 463.SMF 462 drives UPF 463 to serve the bearer to UE 401. AMF 461 andpossibly gNodeB 422 direct RRC 506 in UE 401 to use the bearer overoptimal wireless network slice 460. User application 412 in UE 401communicates over optimal wireless network slice 460 using either gNodeB422 or AN 421 and IWF 423.

The wireless data network circuitry described above comprises computerhardware and software that form special-purpose network circuitry tooptimize wireless network slices for user applications in UEs. Thecomputer hardware comprises processing circuitry like CPUs, DSPs, GPUs,transceivers, bus circuitry, and memory. To form these computer hardwarestructures, semiconductors like silicon or germanium are positively andnegatively doped to form transistors. The doping comprises ions likeboron or phosphorus that are embedded within the semiconductor material.The transistors and other electronic structures like capacitors andresistors are arranged and metallically connected within thesemiconductor to form devices like logic circuitry and storageregisters. The logic circuitry and storage registers are arranged toform larger structures like control units, logic units, andRandom-Access Memory (RAM). In turn, the control units, logic units, andRAM are metallically connected to form CPUs, DSPs, GPUs, transceivers,bus circuitry, and memory.

In the computer hardware, the control units drive data between the RAMand the logic units, and the logic units operate on the data. Thecontrol units also drive interactions with external memory like flashdrives, disk drives, and the like. The computer hardware executesmachine-level software to control and move data by driving machine-levelinputs like voltages and currents to the control units, logic units, andRAM. The machine-level software is typically compiled from higher-levelsoftware programs. The higher-level software programs comprise operatingsystems, utilities, user applications, and the like. Both thehigher-level software programs and their compiled machine-level softwareare stored in memory and retrieved for compilation and execution. Onpower-up, the computer hardware automatically executesphysically-embedded machine-level software that drives the compilationand execution of the other computer software components which thenassert control. Due to this automated execution, the presence of thehigher-level software in memory physically changes the structure of thecomputer hardware machines into special-purpose network circuitry tooptimize wireless network slices for user applications in UEs.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of theinvention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Notethat some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of theinvention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the features described above can be combined in variousways to form multiple variations of the invention. Thus, the inventionis not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only bythe following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a wireless communicationnetwork to serve a User Equipment (UE) over an optimal wireless networkslice for a user application, the method comprising: a networkcontrol-plane receiving a download message when the UE downloads theuser application that indicates a UE Identifier (ID) for the UE and anapplication ID for the user application; the network control-planeselecting a slice ID for the optimal network slice based on theapplication ID for the user application; the network control-planetransferring a slice message to the UE that indicates the application IDand the slice ID; and a network user-plane exchanging application datafor the user application with the UE and processing the application datawith the optimal wireless network slice.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the network control-plane selecting the slice ID for the optimalnetwork slice comprises selecting the slice ID for the optimal networkslice based on a throughput requirement for the user application and athroughput capability of the optimal network slice.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the network control-plane selecting the slice ID for theoptimal network slice comprises selecting the slice ID for the optimalnetwork slice based on a latency requirement for the user applicationand a latency capability of the optimal network slice.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the network control-plane selecting the slice ID for theoptimal network slice comprises selecting the slice ID for the optimalnetwork slice based on a reliability requirement for the userapplication and a reliability capability of the optimal network slice.5. The method of claim 1 wherein the network control-plane selecting theslice ID for the optimal network slice comprises selecting the slice IDfor the optimal network slice based on a mobility requirement for theuser application and a mobility capability of the optimal network slice.6. The method of claim 1 wherein the network control-plane selecting theslice ID for the optimal network slice comprises selecting the slice IDfor the optimal network slice based on a cost requirement for the userapplication and a cost capability of the optimal network slice.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the optimal network slice comprises a machinecontrol slice.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the optimal networkslice comprises a media-conferencing slice.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein the optimal network slice comprises a social networking slice.10. The method of claim 1 wherein the network control-plane receivingthe download message when the UE downloads the user applicationcomprises receiving the download message from a Network ExposureFunction (NEF) when the UE downloads the user application.
 11. Awireless communication network to serve a User Equipment (UE) over anoptimal wireless network slice for a user application, the wirelesscommunication network comprising: a network control-plane configured toreceive a download message when the UE downloads the user applicationthat indicates a UE Identifier (ID) for the UE and an application ID forthe user application; the network control-plane configured to select aslice ID for the optimal network slice based on the application ID forthe user application; the network control-plane configured to transfer aslice message to the UE that indicates the application ID and the sliceID; and a network user-plane configured to exchange application data forthe user application with the UE and process the application data withthe optimal wireless network slice.
 12. The wireless communicationnetwork of claim 11 wherein the network control-plane is configured toselect the slice ID for the optimal network slice based on a throughputrequirement for the user application and a throughput capability of theoptimal network slice to select the slice ID for the optimal networkslice.
 13. The wireless communication network of claim 11 wherein thenetwork control-plane is configured to select the slice ID for theoptimal network slice based on a latency requirement for the userapplication and a latency capability of the optimal network slice toselect the slice ID for the optimal network slice.
 14. The wirelesscommunication network of claim 11 wherein the network control-plane isconfigured to select the slice ID for the optimal network slice based ona reliability requirement for the user application and a reliabilitycapability of the optimal network slice to select the slice ID for theoptimal network slice.
 15. The wireless communication network of claim11 wherein the network control-plane is configured to select the sliceID for the optimal network slice based on a mobility requirement for theuser application and a mobility capability of the optimal network sliceto select the slice ID for the optimal network slice.
 16. The wirelesscommunication network of claim 11 wherein the network control-plane isconfigured to select the slice ID for the optimal network slice based ona cost requirement for the user application and a cost capability of theoptimal network slice to select the slice ID for the optimal networkslice.
 17. The wireless communication network of claim 11 wherein theoptimal network slice comprises a machine control slice.
 18. Thewireless communication network of claim 11 wherein the optimal networkslice comprises a media-conferencing slice.
 19. The wirelesscommunication network of claim 11 wherein the optimal network slicecomprises a social networking slice.
 20. The wireless communicationnetwork of claim 11 wherein the network control-plane is configured toreceive the download message from a Network Exposure Function (NEF) whenthe UE downloads the user application to receive the download messagewhen the UE downloads the user application.